I’m here to pinch hit for AC as he spends a little time on the IL. I feel like I’m pinch hitting for Mookie Betts. How can you possibly do that? I just hope I don’t whiff! I also wish AC the best of health and prayers for his full and complete recovery. He is a giant piece of what makes LADT such a good place to visit daily and he is missed.
● Before I get onto my thoughts on spring training, I have to say that it has always frustrated me to no end to watch a hitter strikeout looking in the 9th inning. That said, I do not tire (nor do I believe I ever will) of seeing Julio Urias throw his well-placed fastball by Willy Adames to end the World Series! That was a perfect pitch to provide a perfect ending for a long-awaited World Championship. Bravo Julio!!!
● It’s Spring Training and hope springs eternal!
● One of the things I enjoy most about spring training is the opportunity to watch the kids play. Even though there is little chance of them breaking camp with the Dodgers, how exciting it must be for them to be able to pitch and play alongside the veterans. In no particular order, Jo Jo Gray, Bobby Miller, Landon Knack, Andre Jackson, Michael Grove, Miguel Vargas, Jacob Amaya, Michael Busch, Kody Hoese, James Outman, Andy Pages, Devin Mann, Omar Estevez, Nick Robertson, Ryan Pepiot, Gus Varland, Kendall Williams and Geraldo Carillo, I’m excited to see all of you perform and I truly hope that this experience gives you the confidence to take the next step in your careers and that you ultimately make it to the show.
● The there are those young players that are really close, such as D.J. Peters. I’ve been excited about him since he was drafted. Athletic players that are 6’5″ and can hit the ball to the moon, don’t grow on trees. Sheldon Neuse, Zack Reks and Alez Vesia are also in this group of players.
● Despite the fact that the Dodgers do not have as many “highly” rated prospects, I’m excited about the Dodger’s future. I think that the Dodgers will be really good for the foreseeable future.
● You have to also feel for the non-roster invitees. Typically these were very good players at one time, whether in high school, college, the minors or the majors, and their careers didn’t pan out quite as they would have hoped, whether due to injury or performance. Yet they come back for one more try, and they hope everything clicks this time. The odds of them making the club out of spring training are very long. For every Justin Turner, there are hundreds that don’t fare as well. Realistically, they’ll probably be sent to the minors, or be released, but you root for them nevertheless. This year, I’m excited about Matt Davidson (he’s a local boy from Yucaipa and I’m always partial to players from the Inland Empire), Jimmy Nelson (he looked very good last night, his pitches were nice and crisp), and Brandon Morrow. They each have a shot at making the team.
● There are several things you can count on most every spring. One certainty is that Joe Kelly will be dealing with an injury. I would take the over that he starts the season on the IL.
● So what do the Dodgers do with Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin? Perhaps one or two more years at building them up as starters and if that fails, they could both be useful in the pen. I still believe that they both have a chance to be really, really good. Maybe they’ll have a hybrid role with the club or, as someone floated the idea a few days ago, they could work in any “opener” and bullpen games. Either way, their future is bright
● I don’t think there will be much drop off in versatility from Kike to Zach McKinstry. Other than losing a bit of silliness in the dugout, McKinstry looks to me to be someone who can be very solid, both defensively and offensively. He’s not as flashy defensively as Kike, but I believe he’ll be more consistent offensively.
● I don’t typically pay attention to spring time stats, good or bad. You never know what a player is working on. So while a pitcher may have been rocked in a particular outing, he on the other hand may be excited because he got his change-up to work in particular situations in the count, that he couldn’t do before. Much of what the regulars do to build up for the season happens in the cages and the bullpen sessions. Just build them up for the season, and let the fun begin.
● I’m disappointed that the minor league season has been delayed. I truly hope they get to play this year. The minor league players and fans deserve it. It’s one thing to get excited over the young players that make an appearance in a spring game, but it’s quite another to be able to follow them throughout their season.
● While the minor leagues struggle to figure out what to do, the college baseball season has begun and it seems to be moving along quite well. There are the usual teams that are at the top of the college rankings(Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, Miami and UCLA), but keep your eye on the University of Arizona. I predict they are going to make it to the college world series. Now admittedly, I’m biased. U of A is coached by Jay Johnson, who is one of the finest young college coaches in the United States. He played college ball with my son Eric and has remained a good friend of the family. Their top hitter is Brandon Boissiere, who is raking at a .500 clip for the beginning of the season. He played his high school ball at Woodcrest Christian High School in Riverside, California, where my sons (and Trevor Oaks, though not at the same time) played, and I had the joy of being an assistant coach for 6 years.
● He may not be Francisco Lindor or Fernando Tatis, Jr. in the eyes of some, but Corey Seager is a very, very good player. I really hope the Dodgers sign him to a long extension.
● Nothing that I’ve seen or heard so far, has disappointed me about Trevor Bauer. He knows how to pitch! I expect a really big year out of him in 2021. You definitely can’t question his work ethic.
● I predict that Corey Knebel will pitch some meaningful innings for the Dodgers this year. I predict the same for Jimmy Nelson and Brandon Morrow. Morrow may not show up until later in the year, but he will end up being more effective than Joe Kelly, whenever he shows up.
● I’m happy to see Victor Gonzalez establish himself as the primary left-hander in the pen, and I believe his future is bright. However, I have to admit, I miss watching Caleb Ferguson pitch. Hope his rehab is going well and that he comes back better than ever. It’s an interesting battle to see who the other lefty or lefties will be in the pen. Alexander? Vescia? Price? Cleavinger? I think it will be Alexander to begin with, then Vescia will finish up the year and be this years version of Victor Gonzalez.
● So Joc Pederson did not like the Dodgers use of analytics. I had high hopes for him when he was first drafted. And, I wish him the best in his year with the Cubbies. However, I don’t expect, analytics or no, that we will see him win a gold glove anytime soon. I also wonder, in what way did the use of analytics hinder him in hitting left hand pitchers? That may be a tad cruel, as I do see him having an overall better year as a full time player. Plus, his participation in the Home Run Derby and his epic battle with Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. was a true highlight. And, he always showed up big in the playoffs.
● One of the bigger off-season losses for the Dodgers was Alanna Rizzo. She was the consummate professional and her interviews of the players and staff were second to none. I’m sure that Kirsten Watson(who has a pleasant voice and demeanor) will grow into the position over time. But right now it’s kind of like watching Don Demeter step into the shoes of a retiring Duke Snider. Demeter was good, he just wasn’t the Duke (oh it pains me to admit that).
● I would love to see a home run derby that involved Bellinger, Rios and D.J. Peters. There would be some seriously hard hit balls in that derby.
My song parody for the day is “Oops!…I Did It Again” Even though it’s a song Brittany Spears made popular, I chose to use the Richard Thompson version. He can take a cheesy pop song and make it sound like an absolute classic.
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
You didn’t think we would win
You thought we’d lose again
Oh baby, baby
The victory was such a rush
On Mookie I have a crush
Then Cash lost all his senses
The next pitch cleared the fences
Oh baby, baby
Oops, You didn’t think we would win
I toyed with your heart, but we won the game
Oops, let’s do it again!
With this team I’m in love
Urias’ pitch sailed into the glove
Then the cheering began
Come on let’s do it again
I’m dreaming for more
I’m loving the score
I’m counting the days
We can beat you in so many ways
No need to lose all our senses
Let’s not always swing for the fences
Oh baby, oh
Oops, let’s do it again!
Feels so sweet the series to win
Don’t play with our heart, just win the game
Oh baby, baby
With this team I’m in love
Urias’ pitch sailed into the glove
Then the cheering began
Come on let’s do it again
Oops, let’s do it again!
2D2 – great to read you again. You have been missed with your well reasoned posts.
Someone mentioned it before – but I would love to see Joc back in Dodger Blue at the TD.
Finally, I was unaware that Jeff was ill.
I’m sure you will be reading here AC, and I sincerely hope that you beat whatever it is that you’re fighting, and you are back here soon.
Thank you Watford, that’s very kind of you. Unfortunately, I don’t think Joc is ever going to make his way back to the Dodgers. If he doesn’t stay with the Cubs, I think that ultimately he will end up with the Giants or the As, unless he doesn’t want to pay California taxes.
Great write up 2D2! Welcome back. I’m sure Mark and Bear appreciate the help. I too enjoy watching the young guys early in camp. A lot of impressive arms in our system and Busch seems like the real deal. If we don’t resign Seager I wonder if there’s a back up plan of moving Lux to short and Busch at second next year. Look forward to watching our young guys develop this year at OKC and Tulsa. And get better soon AC. We miss you!
Thank you Cassidy, I have missed my time here and glad to be back, even if in a more minor role.
I could see your suggestion as being a possible solution, if Seager signs elsewhere. I agree that Busch seems to be the real deal, but the sample size is very small.
Oh a big welcome back to you 2D2. I was hoping you would sub for AC. Did not know he was unwell. I send heartfelt prayers and good positive wishes for him to have a fast and successful recovery.
Spring training….good write-up, 2D2. thank you very much. I think that Caleb Ferguson will be great for our pitching staff next year if he can come back. McKinstry a very good player and hope he makes it. Rooting hard for DJ Peters and V-Gon. Loved watching all the new minor league pitchers and glad the minor league teams will get to play, God willing.
Loved your parody. Just listened to Brittany sing it on tv, at least a clip of it this morning.
Please write again, you have been missed. The clubhouse could sure use Trevor Oak’s piano
playing to celebrate the win last year. Loved him.
Thank you DBM, you’re much too kind. Of all the youngsters traded, I wish they would bring back Oaks. I can tell you, that Trevor is the real deal. He is one of the nicest young men you could ever hope to meet. Very talented too!
Nice to read.
Agree about the youngsters. I’m especially impressed by Pepiot, Peters, Outman [sleeper], Knack, Grove & Vesia.
Vargas is raw, as is Miller. Estevez has a decent bat and I think he, Amaya and Mann have possible utility futures.
Neuse I think could use a year of Dodger indoctrination.
Santana and Nelson are stepping up bigtime.
I like what I’ve seen of Pepiot, he’s much better than I thought he would be when they drafted him. Although, Ihad absolutely no personal knowledge to base that on.
I too am impressed with the others you mention. I look for Peters, Nelson and maybe Vesia to break camp with the Dodgers. Nuese might also (depending on who gets injured between now and opening day).
I also think that Miller and Knack (my sleeper) will have good careers.
Just for fun and controversy, here’s my current depth chart for our [insane] rotation:
1. Bauer–LFG
2. Kershaw–Farewell ride?
3. Buehler–Postseason ace
4. Urias–Get some
5. Nelson–He looks ready
6. Price–Love the offer
7. Gonsolin–Dependable
8. May–So nasty in small doses
9. Gray–Not far off
10. White–Rehabbing
Mike Busch has a lightning-quick bat!
If he can repeat that swing,the future bodes well for him. That was sweet!
Glad to see you back 2D2, I loved Demeter when he was a Dodger and was actually pretty mad when they traded him to the Phillies. But they had this guy named Davis who ran like the wind to replace him. I think your analysis of what is going on is great. Some of the kids have impressed me a lot. Especially Peters. And he did something last night he had not done so far, he chased a bad pitch to strike out. I have been impressed by his improved discipline at the plate. You are probably right about Alexander getting the first shot as the second lefty. One thing to remember is that when September rolls around, they can only call up 2 players as the rosters only expand to 28 now. Joc won’t be back Watford. Joc is hitting .429 with 3 dingers and 7 ribbies this spring. # 3 was a shot off of a lefty to the opposite field in yesterdays game. Kike is raking this spring for Boston too. Baez is on the IL. All the minor league seasons are scheduled to start on May 1. As soon as the major leaguers leave camp, the kids can come to camp. They will probably be able to schedule games against other teams minor league squads. It would make sense the Dodgers could schedule games against the Sox minor leaguers since they share the same complex. Rancho will be a low A team this year instead of high A. There was a country and western bar in Yucaipa years ago that was also a restaurant and it was right off of I-10. I used to go out there for their talent contest. Won the finals once. 1000 bucks. Band playing that night was Pacific Ryder.
Thank you Bear. You and mark have been holding down the fort really well!
I don’t remember a country western bar in Yucaipa from back in the day. Most everyone I knew went to the Branding Iron, which was off the 10, but in San Bernardino.
I remember the Branding Iron. It was too far out for me to frequent. This little place was at the bottom of the hill close to where that classic car dealer was but on the north side of the freeway. I really wish I could remember the name because it was a nice place. I also won the finals at the old Cowboy in Anaheim, which later became the Bandstand and was featured in the movie Roadhouse. Band the night I won there was the Doo Wah Riders. I also won one at the old Crazy Horse which was in Santa Ana. I used to go out to the Palomino in North Hollywood sometimes but I usually stayed within about 50 miles of where I lived in the South Bay. About the only club from the old days still functioning is the Cowboy Palace out in Chatsworth. The old Silver Bullet in Long Beach, where the nightclub scene from Thelma and Louise was filmed is now called Cowboy Country, but it is only open 3 nights a week.
Has anyone heard anything about Michael Grove since he made that one appearance? He looked great that day and I haven’t seen him or heard about him since.
Coming back from an injury, they are probably bringing him along really slow. No need to rush since there is no way he is making the team.
Gawd he looked good. Most polished of all the pitching prospects [Gray excepted].
The most encouraging thing about DJ Peters spring is that he has just as many walks as he does strikeouts. 4. The Dodgers have hit 8 homers this spring so far. Taylor and Peters have 4 of them between them.
For anyone who hasn’t seen the young core of arms:
1. Gray–really nice fastball, decent slider, good composure and clear athleticism
2. Pepiot–fast worker, live arm, plus plus changeup
3. Grove–looks to be recovered; Buehler starter kit
4. Miller: big guy, big stuff, raw
5. Knack: poppin’ fastball, great command
And to think that we have yet to see Kendall Willims, Gus Varland and Clayton Beeter. There are also some really exciting arms coming from the Dominican and Rookie leagues. The future is bright
Can’t wait to see those guys.
Jackson is the other guy who’s looked good this spring.
Maybe it’s the hair.
Nice to have you back 2D2 and read your thoughts on ST. Some excellent points you’ve made.
Here are my thoughts:
You are guilty, like most everybody, of lumping May and Gonsulin into one package. Like salt and pepper.
Here was my comment from 3/6:
” You know Dustin May and Tony Gonsulin are frequently lumped together like they are the same guy. And they both may start the season at the alternate site. I personally see them as completely different. Tony looks like a very capable back end of the bullpen guy. I know he’s started some and might be the #6 starter. But I see his stuff, especially the splitter, as valuable bullpen tools. I don’t see any value to him at the alternate site or AAA. Put him in the pen and leave him alone, for now.”
“May, on the other hand, is a future starter. He could benefit from some AAA time to gain command and work on his change. Call me crazy, but I don’t see Dustin close to the top of our high leverage reliever list. Maybe he should just be groomed as a starter”. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”
* I made another comment awhile back: “Small sample size but I think Lux looks more comfortable and loose in the infield. I’m not seeing those stiff, mechanical actions right now. I can’t smell his braining burning when he’s throwing the baseball to 1st.” Pedro Moura in the Athletic today has a nice article on Gavin and how he is in a really good place right now. Boy do I hope this continues. If he is a fixture at 2nd, it frees up CT3 to play somewhere practically every day, keeping guys fresh. While I like McKinstry, CT3’s skill set could make McKinstry’s swiss-army-knife role unnecessary and open a roster spot for a power bat.
* Sometimes last season, Lux looked like he was struggling not to be overmatched at the plate. The pitcher owned the at bat. Last night, Lux owned the pitcher during a very professional at bat He got an advantage count and got in his home run hack; and missed. Then with 2 strikes he told a firm outside fastball and hit a laser single the other way, to left field. Just a short compact, controlled bat to ball base hit. Pete Rose would be proud. Great piece of hitting. Geez, he’s smiling on the field and having fun. This is the guy that was a sensation in AAA.
* I’m either going to games at Camelback or watching the MLB broadcasts. I don’t get Sportsnet LA. Some I don’t know if there are different broadcasts. But so far I have not seen Kirsten Watson one time. Not once. She makes about one short comment per game with no screen time. I thing maybe they are easing her into service with a limited word count. Her first appearance may coincide with Kelly’s first appearance.
She has big shoes to fill.
* 2D2, I agree with you on Seager. I think he’s a terrific player who needs to be re-signed as a shortstop by the Dodgers, long term.
Thanks philjones!
I agree, I am guilty of lumping May and Gonsolin together. I do so because presently they are used similarly. But they are indeed different pitchers and will be used differently in the future. Because of his age, I think that Gonsolin will ultimately be used out of the pen. If May harnesses all of his abilities what a starter he would be. Such an electric arm.
I also agree with you about Lux. I think last year was an aberration, for any number of reasons. He’s too good a player, not to make it and have an impact.
Kirsten Watson has done some interviews on Sportsnet LA. Last night she also did an in game interview with Will Smith. She did well, but was a little stiff. But then, that could have a lot to do with the COVID restrictions on how interviews are conducted. She looks more comfortable in the studio.
Good news
Texas Rangers become first pro team to announce a return to full capacity
As many NFL teams have said they anticipate full stadiums in 2021, the Texas Rangers have become the first team in any professional sport to announce a return to a full capacity stadium.
The Major League Baseball team, which plays at Globe Life Field, will allow maximum occupancy of 40,518 for its home opener April 5. It will have “distanced seating” sections available for its other April games.
The Rangers do plan to open the roof as often as possible, and they will require a mask or face covering for all fans except those actively eating or drinking at their ticketed seats.
“The Rangers are encouraged that the Governor’s Office has given clearance for us to fully open Globe Life Field at the start of the 2021 Major League Baseball season,” president of business operations and COO Neil Leibman said in a statement. “We will require all those who enter Globe Life Field to wear a mask or face covering, and are working with Major League Baseball on some additional protocols required for player health and safety. We will continue to monitor developments and implement the necessary public health measures. We are excited that Rangers fans will finally be able to experience all that Globe Life Field has to offer.”
Gov. Greg Abbott allowed Texas businesses to fully open Wednesday, with each individual business deciding whether to require face masks.
Texas Rangers become first pro team to announce a return to full capacity originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-rangers-become-first-pro-191443861.html
If AC is reading this, or if someone is reading this to him, get well soon and see you back here soon!
I can check in on him. I have his email address and I will do so this afternoon. I am sure he checks in to see how things are going.,
He is a little better Bobby. Still has a few issues but he sends his thanks to all.
I don’t see what I wrote a few minutes ago about Texas allowing attendance at 100% capacity in the stadium, did someone block my comment or is it waiting to be authorized?
Jorge, It must have been a Padres conspiracy! Doesn’t sound like we’re welcome at any Dodger games this year at Petco Park. Two years ago my son and I went down with the Pantone group to San Diego. That was quite an experience!
Sometimes the Span Filter Holds it in Moderation. I released it!
Oh Spam it!
My experience is that anytime you include a link, the comment goes into moderation. I’m gradually learning to leave out links or include the link as a reply to my original comment.
It is what it is. Usually I get frustrated and then remember I included a link. I learn slowly at this stage of life.
According to Dave Roberts, the first cuts will be coming on Monday the 14th of March. That figures right into the plan since Cody, who is taking live BP today should be in games, and the regulars will want at least 3 AB’s in a game. Ruiz is supposed to make an appearance by this weekend. Graterol is also close. Neither Morrow or Kelly are likely to get any game time. Both will most likely head to the alternate site, which in this case will most likely be Camelback with the AAA guys as they get ready to open on May 1.
I read something about that Cassidy, but I did not want to mention it because the truth is that those stupid clowns do not deserve my attention, they are nothing, they are nobody, they are desperate for attention, they invite themselves to the party!
And I can already see my post, sorry for having mentioned it, after I had already read the new rules, I knew that what we write will be reviewed before being published
Thanks Mark
I do not review anything. It is the software that stops it.
I try and look at it periodically, but no one is being targeted.
Does that mean Carlos is welcome back?
Tonight:
1. Mookie RF
2. Corey SS
3. Barney C
4. Mad Max 1B
5. CT3 – 3B
6. Beaty LF
7. Rios DH
8. G-Lux 2B
9. Monster Man CF
Ok, I’ll play. Dumb me. Who is Monster Man?
DJ Peters… I guess!
Hope so, Jorge.
Other than the homer to Peralta, CK looked good. Jansen pretty good too. Seager with an oppo 2 run jack.
I think Dennis Santana has figured something out
Baez replacement.
It’s amazing how we can let non-core guys go and have someone ready to step in.
ya, this depth really is something else
The only fair solution for our pitching depth is that we need to carry eight starters and 10 relievers.
Cleavenger gets the win. Making his case to be the other lefty reliever. Has not allowed a run so far. Treinen with a blown save. Dodgers struck out 12 times and the D-Backs 11. Peters struck out 2 times, but only once chasing a bad pitch. Muncy is having an awful spring. Hitting only .083. Ravelo got what would have been a walk off double, but the Reds wanted their pitcher to get the work so they finished the 8th inning. Davidson flied deep to right for the last out. Dodgers are 6-3 with 2 ties, D-Backs 4-6. Seager is hitting .400 with 2 homers. Lux struck out in both of his at bats. Dennis Santana had another outstanding inning. He is definitely in the BP discussion.. Gonzalez struggled with his control walking 2, but got out of the inning unscathed.
Kike hitting .500 this spring with the Sox. His OPS is 1.753. Amazing. Old friend Scott Schebler is hitting over .300 with the Angels this spring.